Jan Skrzetuski is a fictional character created by Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz in the novel With Fire and Sword.

Jan Skrzetuski (modeled on the historic form of Mikołaj Skrzetuski, a colonel from Greater Poland of the Jastrzębiec clan[1][2]) was a young Polish nobleman (szlachcic) of Jastrzebiec Coat of Arms serving Prince Jeremi Wiśniowiecki as lieutenant of the hussar regiment.

During the feast, Skrzetuski learned that Helena had been promised to the Cossack colonel Bohun.

Skrzetuski as a captive witnessed Polish defeat in Battle of Zhovti Vody.

In the meantime Bohun discovered the old princess' betrayal and attacked Rozłogi, intending to kidnap Helena.

Skrzetuski returned to the service of Wiśniowiecki and soon met Zagłoba, who told him that Helena was alive and safe in Bar.

After Podbipięta's death he decided to sneak through the Cossacks' camp and go to John Casimir to let him know that soldiers in Zbarazh needed reinforcements.

He was a very young man, of spare habit of body, dark complexion, very elegant in manner, with a delicately cut countenance and a prominent aquiline nose.

His rather thick mustache and a beard, evidently unshaven for a long time, gave him a seriousness beyond his years.